Mercedes-Benz with LEGO to Create the Largest TECHNIC Model

When it comes to building LEGO, size does matter and with an impressive length of 38.6 cm (15.2-inches) from bumper to bumper and more than 2,000 pieces, the 1:12-scale Mercedes-Benz Unimog will surely be one heck of a challenge to build.
The LEGO Unimog 4000 was created to celebrate the Mercedes-Benz truck's 60th anniversary this year and it is available to buy from Argos and LEGO stores with pricing in the UK set at £154.99 (about €177 or US$255).
According to the Denmark based toy company, the TECHNIC series model is fully functional and features a front winch, optional snowplough, suspension, differentials, a four-wheel drive chassis, a gear block for increased ground clearance, and a detailed reproduction of the engine right down to the moving pistons.
Mark Hopkins, Unimog UK Sales Manager, commented: “While the Unimog is a necessity ‘workhorse’ for some operations, it is also a vehicle that captures the imaginations of those who drive and work them daily, so we are delighted to be celebrating our 60^th birthday by creating the most complex model in the TECHNIC range for Unimog enthusiasts to create and enjoy!"

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

We've already brought you the news on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, but after an early leak over the weekend, the German company came out with an official release and plenty of photos detailing its powerful roadster model.

To recap, at the heart of the latest SLK 55 AMG lies a newly developed AMG 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine featuring cylinder shut-off that churns out a peak output of 422HP and maximum torque of 540 Nm in European specification. The North American market model is rated at 415HP and 398 lb-ft.

The SLK55 AMG accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds (0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds), and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155 mph).

According to Mercedes-Benz's preliminary estimates, the hardtop roadster consumes 8.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on average (equal to 28.0mpg US and 33.6mpg UK), and emits 195 grams of CO2 per kilometrer. These figures are 20 percent and 30 percent lower respectively than those of its predecessor.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission which features three transmission modes: "Controlled Efficiency" (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M).

Other upgrades to the SLK 55 AMG include the AMG sports suspension with Torque Vectoring Brakes and AMG Direct-Steer system, an AMG-exclusive 3-stage ESP, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped around 235/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) tires, and for the first time in an AMG model, a sports exhaust system featuring an exhaust flap on each side.

As a proper AMG model, the flagship SLK also sports an aero kit and numerous interior upgrades such as AMG-specific analog clock featuring an IWC design, flattened top and bottom steering wheel and body-hugging seats.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer several optional features including an AMG Handling Package with a stiffer suspension, a rear axle differential lock, two-piece brake discs at the front and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel finished in premium leather with Alcantara inserts in the grip areas.

The new SLK 55 AMG is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in March of 2012, with prices in Germany starting at €72,590. U.S. pricing has yet to be announced.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

New Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI

For the first time in the SLK's history, Mercedes-Benz is offering a diesel-powered version of its small hardtop roadster that will be available for order in Europe from September 13, 2011.
The new SLK 250 CDI makes use of the Stuttgart-based automaker's 2.1-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 204-horses (150kW) and a hefty 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of peak torque.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a standard 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, but Mercedes said a six-speed manual gearbox will also be available in the second quarter of next year.
With the 7sp auto, the SLK 250 CDI can go from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds, accelerate from 80 to 120km/h in 4.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 243 km/h (151mph).
And while performance is on par with the gasoline-powered SLK 250 BlueEfficiency that features a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-pot with 204HP (0-100km/h in 6.6 sec, 243 km/h top speed), the diesel SLK really shines when it comes to fuel economy.
According to Mercedes, the SLK 250 CDI returns a combined fuel consumption of 4.9lt/100km (48mpg US or 57.7mpg UK) versus the SLK 250 BlueEfficiency's 6.2 lt/100 km (38 US mpg or 45.6mpg UK).
Like all third-generation SLK models, the SLK 250 CDI also features a start/stop system as standard, and is available with a choice of three versions of the vario-roo, including the panoramic glass roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL that allows it to be changed from dark to transparent at the touch of a button.
In Germany, the new Mercedes SLK 250 CDI is priced from €41,828.50 (US$60,065). Mercedes did not say if it has any plans to offer the diesel-powered SLK in the States, but we wouldn’t hold our breath. 

 PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Mercedes-Benz SLK New Design by Brabus

Whenever there's a new Mercedes-Benz model out, you can be sure that Brabus will be one of the first customizers to jump on the tuning bandwagon.

For the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster, the German firm has developed an extensive customization program to take care of both the styling and performance aspects of the car.
Brabus says it is currently working on more extreme engine upgrades but for the time being, an available kit promises an increase of 26-horsepower and an additional 30Nm (22 lb-ft) of peak torque for the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY.
There are two available performance packages for the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. The first kit bumps output from 204HP to 230HP, while the second package lifts output to 240-horses and 370Nm (273 lb-ft) for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 248km/h (154mph).
Those looking for a deeper exhaust note can order a stainless-steel sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes. Brabus will also add a sports suspension that lowers the two-seater model's ride height by some 30 mm (1.2-inches) and a high-performance braking system.
On the outside, the German company has developed several aerodynamic components including a front bumper with spoiler lips, side sills, a rear diffuser with a centrally mounted rear reflector and a boot lid spoiler.
There are several alloy wheel designs to choose from ranging in size from 17- to 20-inches. The larger rims are shod in high-performance tires from Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA in sizes 235/30 ZR 20 on the front axle and 275/25 ZR 20 at the back.
Finally, Brabus offers a variety of interior upgrades ranging from high-gloss polished stainless-steel scuff plates and aluminum foot pedals and shifter to bespoke leather treatments.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars

Hacking your Car through a Smart Phone

Security consulting firm iSec Partners warns drivers that thieves could exploit smart phone apps that allow the unlocking and starting of cars remotely.

Researchers Don Bailey and Mathew Solnik have hacked the protocols some of these apps use and demonstrated how they can take advantage of them using a laptop.
According to Mr. Bailey, the whole process of hacking and improvising the signals these apps send – what he dubs “war texting” – can take as little as two hours.
Mr. Bailey will discuss the research at Black Hat Technical Security Conference in Las Vegas this week. Of course, he won’t name the products or provide full technical details of Mr. Solnik and his work until the software makers can patch them. GM, Mercedes-Benz and BMW all use the technology in one form or another.
Bailey and his cohort intercepted messages sent between the server and the target vehicle over standard mobile networks. He explains:
"We reverse-engineer the protocol and then we build our own tools to use that protocol to contact that system.”
Researchers at iSec think this is indicative of a more widespread problem created by the proliferation of “cheap and easy” mobile networking technology.
Bailey suspects that security considerations are often minimally addressed, thereby making devices using the technology susceptible to exploitation and misuse.

Read more In Cars

Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl Concept

We first reported on Mercedes-Benz's Frankfurt auto show-bound Viano Vision Pearl Concept just last week, but since then, the German automaker has released a slew of new photos detailing the luxury people carrier.

But for those that simply want the skinny on the design concept, Mercedes-Benz crafted a deluxe passenger van out of its Viano model with most changes taking place inside.
These include a full leather treatment in a two-tone white and gray color theme, wood flooring and matching side trim, brushed aluminium accents and a bespoke Bang & Olufsen sound system.
On the outside, there are some modest touches such as the unique "magno pearl grey” and a revised front end featuring LED daytime running lamps.

PHOTO GALLERY

Read more In Cars